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H.R.3885 / 104th Congress

To amend section 552 of title 5, United States Code, commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act, to provide for greater efficiency in providing public access to information and to provide for public access to information in an electronic format.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 24, 1996

Amends the Freedom of Information Act to require each Federal agency to make available for public inspection and copying: (1) copies of all records, regardless of form or format, which have become or are likely to become the subject of subsequent requests; (2) a general index of such records, which shall be made available electronically by December 31, 1999; and (3) within one year after November 1, 1996, by computer telecommunications or other electronic means, those records created on or after November 1, 1996. Revises reporting requirements concerning such provisions.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-14] · D–NY

Committees

  • Oversight and Government Reform Committee
2 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Mar 23, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.3885 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.3885 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.3885 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.3885 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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